Lounge bar

The small, cosy lounge bar is the heart of the house. Our guests often say that they feel so comfortable, it’s like being at home. During the day (especially if the weather isn’t too great) you are welcome to sit and relax, read a book, play some games, or it has even been known for guests to have a quiet afternoon snooze.

At night, the bar area is the place to have a pre-dinner drink whilst being tempted by our menu.

Lloyd or Jules will be on hand to answer any questions about the dishes available, but the only question we will not answer is ‘what would you recommend’ as we would eat everything on our menus ourselves, with every dish being sourced, prepared and cooked with the same passion. We also let you choose how you want your meat to be cooked, we are happy to give advice on this matter but we believe that if you are dining with us that the food should be cooked to your liking.

After your meal you are welcome to have coffees in the bar and maybe indulge in a wee tipple from our range of about 40 malt whiskies, mainly from the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail, as well as some of the more well-known Islay Malts.

You may have guessed by now that we are a little passionate about supporting local businesses and their products and although the region has many fine distilleries, you won’t be surprised to find that 12 of our 40 whiskies are actually different impressions from the Benromach range. This is the smallest distillery in Speyside and situated in Forres itself. If you have never tried malt whisky we are happy t guide you to one that would suit your tastes or if you have sampled a few maybe advise on one you may not have sampled before.

The lounge-bar is only open to residents of the hotel and guests dining in Franklin’s Restaurant. We are happy to serve teas and coffees but to ensure the comfort of all our guests we do not serve food in the bar.